Street Smarts: Motorists still confused by changes at 41st and Clares, reader says

Q I am writing to see if you could help alert the traffic planners to a very confusing and dangerous situation. Recently, the traffic planners in Capitola added a 'No turn on red' sign at Clares, where you make a right onto 41st Avenue. I even read about it in the Sentinel. The problem is that the planners did not finish the job.

The signs above the lights still indicate it is OK to make a right turn onto 41st. The arrows on the street still say the same thing. Since this turn-only lane is no longer for turning, proper signage is necessary. I believe this confusion is the reason drivers are still making the right turn onto 41st from Clares. I am getting some dirty looks from drivers going straight through Clares in the right lane because they think I should be turning.

Mary Anne Gabay, Aptos

A The signage is correct, said Steve Jesberg, public works director. The new signs posted at the intersection tell drivers that they can still make the right turn, just not when the light is red.

"Right turns are permitted when the light is green," he said.

The changes occurred last summer in an attempt to ease traffic congestion on 41st. Both public works and the police department continue to monitor the intersection.

Q My 16-year-old daughter is preparing to get her license. Do you still offer the defensive driving classes? She has had her permit for about five months.

Nathan Fitzgerald Sr., via email

A I don't offer driving courses, but the local CHP office does. There is a class coming up 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Santa Cruz Police Department's Community Room at 155 Center St. Officer Sarah Jackson leads the course, which is open to teens and their families. The course is free and attendees receive a certificate of completion. To RSVP, call 662-0511.

Caltrans offers help

Caltrans is now helping road warriors better plan trips by making it easier to search for planned road work.

The state transportation agency upgraded its website so that it provides real-time route information that includes planned lane closures statewide.

"Thanks to this upgrade, motorists can plan to avoid scheduled lane closures on statewide routes before they even get on the road," said Malcolm Dougherty, agency director. "This information will allow travelers to adjust their trip plan so they can get where they're going more quickly."